Articulate railway vehicle stabilizing linkage apparatus

ABSTRACT

Stabilizing linkage apparatus for an articulated vehicle is provided which stabilizes lateral motion or sway due to imperfections in the rail or other roadway. The stabilizing linkage apparatus is attached to an intercar corridor support structure and the two cars. It is comprised of at least three link members and two laterally rigid members attached to the connected cars. The stabilizing linkage apparatus maintains the support structure in a position which bisects the angle between the two cars as the articulated vehicle traverses a crest or a valley in the road bed and resists lateral motion between the cars and the support structure.

[ 1 May 20, 1975 1 ARTICULATE RAILWAY VEHICLE STABILIZING LINKAGE APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Max Maroshick, Glen Mills, Pa.

[73] Assignee: The Boeing Company, Seattle,

Wash.

[22] Filed: June 17, 1974 [211 App]. No.: 479,954

[52] US. Cl 105/4 R; 105/1 A; 105/3; 105/8; 105/210 [51] Int. C1.B6ld 17/14; B61d 17/20; B6lf 3/12 2,843,417 7/1958 Wahl et a1. 105/3 X 2,884,869 5/1959 Haug 105/4 2,925,049 2/1960 Frei 105/8 R 3,610,165 10/1971 Browne et al 105/4 R X Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King Assistant Examiner-Howard Beltran Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Joseph M. Corr; Frederic W. Neitzke; Robert S. Lipton 1 1 ABSTRACT Stabilizing linkage apparatus for an articulated vehicle is provided which stabilizes lateral motion or sway due to imperfections in the rail or other roadway. The stabilizing linkage apparatus is attached to an intercar corridor support structure and the two cars. It is comprised of at least three link members and two laterally rigid members attached to the connected cars. The stabilizing linkage apparatus maintains the support structure in a position which bisects the angle between the two cars as the articulated vehicle traverses a crest or a valley in the road bed and resists lateral motion between the cars and the support structure.

PATENIH] MAYZO I975 SHEET 10F 2 ARTICULATE RAILWAY VEHICLE STABILIZING LINKAGE APPARATUS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The subject matter of this application relates generally to application Ser. No. 447,718, filed May 9, 1974 for Articulated Rail Vehicle Joint invented by the inventor herein, Max Maroshick, and assigned to the assignee herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a stabilizing linkage apparatus for an articulated vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stabilizing linkage for an articulated vehicle which allows the articulated vehicle to negotiate valleys and crests in the road bed and provides a stabilizing function against lateral motion or sway due to imperfections in the road bed.

The present invention may be used as a stabilizing linkage for any type of articulated vehicle which must negotiate valleys and crests in the road bed. However, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in connection with an articulated rail vehicle. The description of a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the above cross-referenced application, as a specific example of an articulated rail vehicle. However, it is understood that the present invention is not restricted to the structure described in the cross-referenced application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART It has been known in the prior art to provide a linkage system connecting an intercommunication passageway or corridor to passenger cars of an articulated vehicle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,925,049 Frei discloses link apparatus in which a link is pivotally mounted to each of the two cars to be juxtaposed. These links are mounted to pivot in a lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal center line of the cars and the passageway. The other ends of these links are pivotally mounted to the opposite ends of a third link pivotally connected at its center to the center of the passageway.

A similar arrangement is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,843,417 Wahl et al. However, these references do not teach nor suggest the new and unobvious structure in the present invention which includes a pair of laterally rigid arm means and at least three pivotable links as set forth hereinafter. Furthermore, the cited prior art does not provide the important advantages as set forth hereinafter including the prevention of lateral motion between the car bodies and between the car bodies and the passageway or corridor structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a significant advantage in that it maintains the support structure, which may be used to support a dome and other enclosing structure, located between the cars in a substantially vertical position irrespective of the car transversing a valley or a crest of the road bed.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it prevents lateral motion or sway, which may be due to track imperfections, of the two cars.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it prevents the support structure located between the two cars from moving laterally or swaying due to track imperfections.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it maintains a preset clearance in the interface between the car bodies and the passageway or intercar corridor structure even though the car body may tend to move laterally or tilt.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the support structure located between the two cars is always caused to bisect the angle between the two cars. This enables the cars to transverse greater valleys or crests without causing the side panels or dome structure to interfere or come in contact with the car body structure.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it restrains the support structure, including the dome and other structure attached thereto, from toppling when the articulated vehicle is braking or accelerating.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the ends of the laterally rigid arm means, which are pivotally connected to the link members, and the center point of the support structure move in a straight line along the longitudinal center line of the cars. This is a significant advantage since it prevents displacement of the support structure, and the dome and other structure attached thereto, when the cars are negotiating a curve in the horizontal plane of the tracks.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the ends of the laterally rigid arm means, which are pivotally connected to the link members, and the pivot point on the support structure are not separated, thereby minimizing moments and minimizing deflections of car body to car body and from the car bodies to the support structure.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that it enables the use of inexpensive structural steel which therefore provides an economical structure to perform a sophisticated function.

Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, linkage apparatus for stabilizing an articulated wheeled vehicle is provided. The articulated wheeled vehicle is provided with a joint between a first and a second car of the articulated wheeled vehicle, with a support structure between the cars. The support structure may be used to support a dome and other enclosing structure. The linkage apparatus is comprised of a first, second and third linkage members and a first and second laterally rigid arm means attached to the first and second cars, respectively. The first linkage member is pivotally connected to the support structure. The second linkage member is pivotally connected to the first linkage member at a first pivot point and to the first laterally rigid arm means at a second pivot point. Means are provided for connecting the second linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement with respect to said support structure. This means may be a slide means such as a slot in the support structure, an additional link member pivotally connected to the second linkage member and to the support structure, or other equivalent structure. The third linkage member is pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a third pivot point and to the second laterally rigid arm means at a fourth pivot point. Means are also provided for connecting the third linkage member to the support structure for lateral movement with respect to the support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however. that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, partially broken away, showing the location of the stabilizing linkage of the present invention in an articulated vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a plan view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1 in which certain structure is broken away to show a stabilizing linkage in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view, partially in cross-section, of the stabilizing linkage of FIG. 2 taken along line 33.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment for the structure connecting the second and third linkage members to the support structure, in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an articulated vehicle comprised of a first car 12 and a second car 14 with an inter car passageway or corridor 16. There is shown in FIG. 1 a dome 18 which is supported by a dome support structure or support structure 20. Support structure 20, in addition to supporting the dome, supports the side enclosing structure. As may be seen in FIG. 2, support structure 20 is comprised of side vertical members 21 and 23 and horizontal members 25. This support structure and dome may be similar to the structure as disclosed in US. Pat. application Ser. No. 447,718 of Max Maroshick, which was referred to hereinbefore. The support structure 20 is supported on a truck 22 which is common to cars 10 and 12. The truck 22 is supported by wheels 24. The wheels 24 may ride on rails 26 or other suitable road bed.

The stabilizing linkage apparatus of the present invention is shown at 28 in FIG. 1. A better view of an embodiment of this stabilizing linkage is shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the stabilizing linkage is shown connected between first car 12 and second car 14 and to support structure 20. Roof 30 of car 12, roof 32 of car 14 and dome 18 are partially broken away to expose the stabilizing linkage 28.

A first laterally rigid arm means or triangular truss 34 is attached to car 12. This laterally rigid arm means or triangular truss 34 is comprised of a first member 36 and a second member 38 attached to car 12 at points 40 and 42 spaced in a lateral direction on car 12. The attachment of members 36 and 38 to car 12 at points 40 and 42 may be by any suitable clamping means well known in the art. The other ends of members 36 and 38 are connected together by means of plates 44 which may be welded to members 36 and 38. Preferably, a plate 44 is attached to the upper and lower sides of members 36 and 38, as may be more clearly seen in FIG. 3. However, a single plate 44 may be used where the rigidity of a single plate is sufficient.

A second laterally rigid arm means or triangular truss 46 is attached to car 14 at laterally spaced points 48 and 50. Second laterally rigid arm means or triangular truss 46 is constructed in a manner similar to that of the first laterally rigid arm means 34 and is comprised of first member 52 and second member 54. Members 52 and 54 are connected together by means of plates 56 at one end as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a first linkage member 58 pivotally mounted at its center point 60 to the center of support structure 20. Linkage member 58, as well as members 36, 38, S2 and 54, may be comprised of tubular structural steel. Linkage member 58 is journaled to support structure 20 by means of journal 62 and bearing structure 64, which may best be seen in FIG. 3.

A second linkage member 66 is pivotally connected to the first linkage member 58 at a first pivot point 68. Second linkage member 66 is also pivotally connected at a second pivot point 70 to plates 44 which are mounted on the end of first laterally rigid arm means 34. Linkage member 66 is connected to support structure 20 by means of slide means 72 which allows lateral movement of linkage member 66. Slide means 72 is comprised of slotted member 74 and pin means 76. Slide means 72 allows lateral movement of linkage member 66 in the directions of double headed arrows 78 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

A third linkage member 80 is pivotally connected to first linkage member 58 at a third pivot point 82. Linkage member 80 is pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point 84, via plate 110, to plates 56 attached to the end of second laterally rigid arm means 46. Plate 110 is attached to extension member 112 on linkage member 80. Extension member 112 is welded to linkage member 80 to provide a clearance between members 80 and 66 for travel by pivot points 84 and 70 over pivot point 62. Linkage member 80 is slidably connected to support structure 20 by means of slide means 86. Slide means 86 allows lateral motion of linkage element 80 in the directions of double headed arrow 78. Slide means 86 is similar to slide means 72.

An alternative embodiment of structure for slidably connecting linkage members 66 and 80 to support structure 20 is the provision of an additional link for each of members 66 and 80 for connecting these members to support structure 20. An example of such an additional link for connecting linkage member 66 to support structure 20 is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, a linkage member 87 is pivotally connected to linkage member 66 and to a mounting member 88 which is welded to cross piece 90 of support structure 20. Linkage member 87 allows lateral motion of member 66 in the directions of double headed arrow 78 as shown in FIG. 4.

In operation, pivot points 70, 60 and 84 move in a straight line along the center line of intercar passageway or corridor 16 and the center line of cars 12 and 14. At rest on a level terrain or when the road bed does not have a curve in the vertical plane, pivot points 70, 60 and 84, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 would be coaxial. As actually shown in FIG. 2, the articulated vehicle 10 would be negotiating a crest in the road bed which requires a greater separation of the upper portions of cars 12 and 14. The support structure 20 is always caused to bisect the angle formed in the vertical plane between the two cars 12 and 14. By maintaining support structure 20 in a position where it always bisects the angle formed between the cars, the articulated vehicle is able to traverse crests 0r valleys in the road bed having smaller radii of curvature. This is in part due to the fact that side panels 92-95 and other structure are mounted to support structure 20..Side panels 92-95 fit into cavities 96-99, respectively, shown in dotted outline form in FIG. 2. By maintaining support structure in a position wherein it bisects the angle between the cars in the vertical plane,'the panels 92-95 will not interfere with the bodies of cars 12 and 14 for smaller radii of curvature, in the vertical plane, of crests'and valleys in the road bed.

With respect to pivot points 70, 60 and 84 moving along the centerlines of support structure 20 and cars 12 and 14, for the articulated vehicle on a straight track in the horizontal plane, it may be noted that the distance between first pivot point 68 and second pivot point 70 on the second linkage member 66 is equal to the distance between first pivot point 68 and the center point 60 on the first linkage member 58. Likewise it may be noted that the distance between third pivot point 82 and fourth pivot point 84 on third linkage member 80 is equal to the distance between the third pivot point 82 and the center point 60 on first linkage member 58.

It may also be noted that the linkage members and laterally rigid arm means may be constructed of inexpensive structural steel thereby providing an inexpensive and economical apparatus for performing a sophisticated function.

The sway brace linkage of the present invention prevents lateral sway between cars 12 and 14 and also between the cars and support structure 20. The prevention of sway between the cars is important in providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. The prevention of sway or lateral movement of the support structure 20 with respect to the cars 12 and 14 is also important in maintaining a preset clearance between the shield plate structures 100-103 of the tunnel assembly 108 and the closure shield structures 104-107 which are mounted to the cars 12 and 14. The structure of the tunnel assembly, shield plate structures and closure shield structures are shown in greater detail in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 447,718 which has been referred to above. The exact details of the structure are not important with respect to this invention. The sway brace linkage of the present invention would maintain a preset clearance between various other suitable types of tunnel assembly structure and car body structure.

The linkage apparatus of the present invention also stabilizes support structure 20 and prevents support structure 20 from toppling during acceleration or braking of articulated vehicle 10. It is recalled that support structure 20 supports a dome having a considerable mass. Therefore, the stabilizing effects of stabilizing linkage 28 in maintaining the top of support structure 20 equidistant between the bodies of the two cars 12 and 14 is important.

Referring to FIG. 3, it may be seen that pivot points 70, 84 and 60 are located relatively close together thereby eliminating moments which would result from the input forces present on the laterally rigid arm means 34 and 46. This is an important advantage over the prior art wherein a single pivotted link was used to connect the arms to a pair of cars. In the prior art, the end points of the arms had to be located a considerable distance apart thereby creating a considerable turning moment when forces were applied.

The motion of pivot point 70, 60, and 84 along the center line of the cars and the center line of support structure 20 is very important since there is no displacement of the stabilizing structure even when the articulated vehicle 10 is negotiating curves in the horizontal plane of the track or road bed. The fact that there is no such displacement is important since there would otherwise be displacement forces on the support structure in negotiating curves in the horizontal plane of the road bed.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Linkage apparatus for stabilizing an articulated wheeled vehicle provided with a joint between a first and a second car of the articulated vehicle with a support structure mounted between said cars, said linkage apparatus comprising:

a first linkage member pivotally connected to said support structure;

first and second laterally rigid arm means attached to said first and second cars, respectively;

a second linkage member being pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a first pivot point and to said first laterally-rigid arm means at a second pivot point and means connecting said second linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement with respect to said support structure; and

a third linkage member pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a third pivot point and to said laterally rigid arm means at a fourth pivot point and means connecting said third linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement with respect to said support structure.

2. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise slide means.

3. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise linkage members pivotally connected to said second and third linkage members, respectively, and to said support structure.

4. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second laterally rigid arm means is comprised of a first and second member attached at one end to said car at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends.

5. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second laterally rigid arm means are comprised of first and second members attached at one end to said first and second cars, respectively, at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends.

6. A sway brace linkage for stabilizing an articulated rail vehicle comprising a first and a second car, a common truck supporting the juxtaposed ends of said cars, a support structure mounted on said truck and extending upward between said cars, said sway brace linkage comprising:

a first linkage member pivotally mounted at its center point to the center point of the support structure for rotational movement in a substantially horizontal plane;

first and second laterally rigid arm means attached to said first and second cars, respectively;

a second linkage member being pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a first pivot point and to said first laterally rigid arm means at a second pivot point, said distance between said first and second pivot points being equal to the distance between said first pivot point and said center point of said first linkage member, connecting means for connecting said second linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement in a substantially horizontal plane; and

a third linkage member being pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a third pivot point and to said second laterally rigid arm means at a fourth pivot point, said distance between said third and fourth pivot points being equal to the distance between said third pivot point and said center point of said first linkage member, connecting means for connecting said third linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement in a substantially horizontal plane.

7. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise slide means.

8. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise linkage members pivotally connected to said second and third linkage members, respectively, and to said support structure. 1

9. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein at least one of said first and second laterally rigid arm means is comprised of a first and second member attached at one end to one of said cars at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends.

10. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein said first and second laterally rigid arm means are comprised of first and second members attached at one end to said first and second cars, respectively, at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends. 

1. Linkage apparatus for stabilizing an articulated wheeled vehicle provided with a joint between a first and a second car of the articulated vehicle with a support structure mounted between said cars, said linkage apparatus comprising: a first linkage member pivotally connected to said support structure; first and second laterally rigid arm means attached to said first and second cars, respectively; a second linkage member being pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a first pivot point and to said first laterally rigid arm means at a second pivot point and means connecting said second linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement with respect to said support structure; and a third linkage member pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a third pivot point and to said laterally rigid arm means at a fourth pivot point and means connecting said third linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement with respect to said support structure.
 2. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise slide means.
 3. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise linkage members pivotally connected to said second and third linkage members, respectively, and to said support structure.
 4. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second laterally rigid arm means is comprised of a first and second member attached at one end to said car at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends.
 5. Linkage apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second laterally rigid arm means are comprised of first and second members attached at one end to said first and second cars, respectively, at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends.
 6. A sway brace linkage for stabilizing an articulated rail vehicle comprising a first and a second car, a common truck supporting the juxtaposed ends of said cars, a support structure mounted on said truck and extending upward between said cars, said sway brace linkage comprising: a first linkage member pivotally mounted at its center point to the center point of the support structure for rotational movement in a substantially horizontal plane; first and second laterally rigid arm means attached to said first and second cars, respectively; a second linkage member being pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a first pivot point and to said first laterally rigid arm means at a second pivot point, said distance between said first and second pivot points being equal to the distance between said first pivot point and said center point of said first linkage member, connecting means for connecting said second linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement in a substantially horizontal plane; and a third linkage member being pivotally connected to said first linkage member at a third pivot point and to said second laterally rigid arm means at a fourth pivot point, said distance between said third and fourth pivot points being equal to the distance between said third pivot point and said center point of said first linkage member, connecting means for connecting said third linkage member to said support structure for lateral movement in a substantially horizontal plane.
 7. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise slide means.
 8. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein said connecting means connecting said second and third linkage members to said support structure comprise linkage members pivotally connected to said second and third linkage members, respectively, and to said support structure.
 9. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein at least one of said first and second laterally rigid arm means is comprised of a first and second member attached at one end to one of said cars at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends.
 10. Sway brace linkage as recited in claim 6 wherein said first and second laterally rigid arm means are comprised of first and second members attached at one end to said first and second cars, respectively, at points spaced in the lateral direction and being connected together at their other ends. 